Colorado CHP Certification and Firearms Training

I couldn’t recommend a better trainer. Phil is competent, humble, patient, and a master of the basics. If you want to learn how to better protect you and your family, Phil is your trainer. If you are tired of trainers who try and impress with range antics and showmanship, but lack in real world proficiency, Phil is your trainer. Bottom line, Phil is one of if not the best choice for a trainer that will teach you to master the basics of marksmanship. ~ Will W. Firearms Instructor, US Army Special Forces (Retired)

A.P.E. Academy is based in Colorado and provides concealed handgun permit certification that is remains in compliance with the new Colorado HB24-1174 which took effect on July 1st, 2025. For more information, you can and should read the actual signed document which is linked here (this applies to what you are about to read below). If you are lead to believe that all you need for a recertification is a simple written test on changes to laws in CO that is incorrect and not in compliance with the bill that recently passed and was signed by the Governor. Even for recertification, you must pass a written (Open Book) test which covers:

Instruction regarding knowledge and safe handling of firearms and ammunition
Instruction regarding safe storage of firearms and child safety
Instruction regarding safe firearms shooting fundamentals
Instruction regarding federal and state laws pertaining to the lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms
Instruction regarding legal use of deadly force for self-defense
Instruction regarding best practices to ensure concealed handgun permit holders safely interact with law enforcement
Instruction regarding conflict avoidance and management of violent confrontations

We will ensure that you are administered the written exam with a study guide accessible electronically so that you can take the test in an open book fashion, as prescribed by law. If you think about it, it makes sense that you should provide documentation while renewing your permit that you are still familiar with and understand all of the above. This allows all of us to remain in compliance with the law while ensuring you still have the right to carry your firearm.

If you are in Colorado and would like to receive some training please reach at 720-924-6111 or email apeacademyllc (at) gmail.com.

Students at APE Academy completing their Colorado concealed handgun permit certification.

Contact Information

Facebook Page is here.

Email: apeacademyllc (at) gmail.com

Phone/ Text: 720-924-6111

Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) CERTIFICATION Course

Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) CERTIFICATION / RECERT Course:

20 MARCH (Friday) – Shawnee VFW
INITIAL CHP: 8 AM Until Complete
RECERT CHP: 1 PM Until Complete
Sign up via this link (Paypal)

You will receive a welcome email once you reserve your slot. We will conduct the mandatory training, including the classroom portion followed by a written exam, and then move to the range for a live-fire exercise to validate proficiency. **The outdoor shooting / qual portion is weather dependent. As long as we can shoot we will do so. If there is some major weather event which prevents us from training we will have to reschedule.**

CHP Additional Training (Pistol)

Available to those who sign up for the CHP course, this training typically lasts 2 hours after all of the mandatory qualifications are completed at the range. You are already at the range with your firearm, why not spend some time working through the fundamentals along with other techniques with an instructor.

Click this link to sign up for the training (Paypal Link)

Some of the things covered are below, a sample list which will change depending on who is present and what skill levels each has.

– Presentation Shots
– Draw from the holster / Concealment
– Stoppage Drills
– Target Discrimination
– Strong hand / Weak Hand Techniques
– Timed training on both paper and steel

Private Training is Available

private firearms training classes at APE Academy

Looking to take your training to the next level but not in a larger class? For yourself or a couple, or a family and a few friends we can cater the training event to your needs.

Testimonials

"My wife and I recently completed our concealed carry course with Phil, and we couldn't be more pleased with the experience. Phil's professionalism and expertise as an instructor exceeded our expectations. Phil's teaching style is clear, patient, and thorough. He covered every aspect of concealed carry comprehensively. His wealth of experience really shines through in his instruction. Phil taught us handgun shooting techniques I've never learned before, and the hands-on practice was invaluable. His attention to detail and calm manner made a real difference in our confidence and skill level. If you're looking for quality CCW training from someone who genuinely cares about preparing you properly, I highly recommend Phil's course. We left feeling confident, well-informed, and truly prepared for the responsibility of concealed carry. Thank you Phil! ~ Pete

"I had the opportunity to take a defensive handgun course through APE Academy and I can say I found it to be most useful. Experienced shooters and new shooters alike will find the curriculum to be very informative. Phil take the time to focus on the principles of shooting and makes sure to incorporate them in to all aspects of the class. At APE they not only want to teach it right but they want you to discover what works and what does not. This in itself is what makes the training real." ~ Chris

"I knew that Phil was vetted to be the real deal when it came to training. Going in, I already expected to have a good class. Boy was I wrong, it was a great class! The experience, and first hand knowledge was awesome. I was able to identify my weaknesses as a shooter, and worked through them. In the end, I came away with great knowledge, solid fundamentals, and more humbled as a shooter. Gotta leave the egos at home, and come to the class ready to learn." ~ Marty

"I am a first time gun owner and APE Academy taught me the rules and basics before I even fired a gun. I learned a lot throughout the training class and had a lot of fun. I would highly recommend APE Academy to others." ~ Sean

"I came to Phil at APE Academy when I wanted to know more information about what type of handgun I should purchase and how to use it. What I walked away with was a better understanding of safety, shooting technique and confidence in how to handle my gun. The instruction was at a pace I could understand while still having fun. I would definitely recommend APE Academy!" ~ Tia

"I've spent plenty of time at the range, but taking a class with Phil at Ape Academy really opened my eyes to how much I've been missing besides just punching holes through paper. He was easy to understand and went at my pace, and taught me the skills and techniques I need to become truly proficient with my firearm." ~ Josh